Reviews

At UGA you get what you sign up for. I am currently taking 15 hours and all 15 of those are spent taking serious notes and paying close attention to learn the new material. I am learning new stuff everyday and am tested on it every 3 weeks. Coming out of my freshman year last year I learned a lot more than I ever did in high school. Then, this year I had to take courses to get into my major and I am now learning even more, but stuff that will specifically apply to my major.

Athens is a great town full of great food, shopping, and things to do. There is never a dull moment here whether you're looking for a night out or a study time in a coffee shop. UGA also has so many student events you can attend and have tons of school spirit. There are tons of great ways to get involved and meet new people. Even though it's a big school you see familiar faces walking to class and around campus. I've had the time of my life at Georgia and am so proud to be a dawg!

I am paying out of state tuition and if it was not worth it then I would not still be here. I think that UGA is definitely worth the bang for the buck because not only are you getting a great education from a top college, but you are also getting wonderful colleges per major, SEC sport teams, a college town, and a full college experience.

The University of Georgia has been getting tougher and tougher to get into, so my greatest advice is to focus on SAT and ACT scores, take AP/IB classes, load up on extracurricular activities, and have a 3.3 or higher GPA. When I was applying to Georgia I did not apply early because I was afraid I would not get in. Therefore, I waited and wrote the four essays required during regular enrollment. If you are scared like me or think that you may not get in, either take the chance and apply early, or do like I did and wait for the regular deadline and write awesome essays. Also, for your recommendations pick people who truly impacted your life or have seen you excel in not only academics but also outside of school. I had my favorite AP teacher, my cheerleading coach, and my bible study leader write me recommendations so they got an idea of every side of who I was.

UGA is great for anyone who does not get intimidated by a fairly big college, wants to get involved, likes to be surrounded by a variety of different people, and wants to focus on achieving in classes but also have fun. Students looking for a true college town where everyone there attends tailgates on Saturdays, wears the school colors, and offers student discounts- then Athens is the place to be! If you want to be on a beautiful campus but then want to be able to hit the lake forty five minutes away, or the mountains two hours away, or a big city like Atlanta (hour and a half away) then UGA is great for you! I love strolling through North Campus, going to the Botanical Gardens, shopping downtown, and screaming GO DAWGS at sporting events. At UGA you are truly experiencing what people call college life.

It’s easy to say that you will learn a lot in the classrooms here at the University of Georgia because you will. What sets UGA apart is how you learn outside of the classroom. You experience new ideas, places, and interests that show you more of who you are and what you want to do in your future. The diversity among people here allows you to learn about others and their cultures as well as how to communicate and work with those people. The campus and the encompassing town of Athens, GA create a dynamic place to learn, have fun, and work and serve as an extraordinary stepping-stone to real life!

UGA has SOMETHING for EVERYONE!!! There are about 400 recognized clubs here! We have great organizations including (but definitely not limited to): Philanthropy, Academics, Culture, Religion, Fitness & Sports, or the Arts (music, dance, art). It would be too difficult to tell you everything offered here. For example, have you heard of a Biological/Biochemical Defense Club before? UGA HAS! The Greek life is also a popular and diverse way to enjoy being here.
Besides the academics, you have probably heard about the athletics…and for great reason. It is always a treat to watch a matchup “Between the Hedges!” The football team has been one of the most consistent in recent history throughout the nation. It may surprise you, but the #2 sport at this university is women’s gymnastics. The Gymdogs, this past year, won their 5th straight national championship. They’ll leave you in awe of some amazing techniques! That’s a sample of UGA athletics, and the trend continues… all of our teams are always in the national spotlight!
If you need something else to do, it may be a tough choice. Downtown Athens has cool shopping, some amazing food, and plenty of places for social meetings. On campus, you have some of the best collegiate food services in the nation, quads to hang out with others, and a massive fitness center where you can exercise, take fitness classes, or sign up for intramural sports.
One thing you cannot miss out on here is the music scene. Many great bands have come from Athens, and that drives many of today’s students to perform music on the side. Check out the 40-Watt Club among other venues for some great, diverse music!
The ONLY possible thing to keep you from enjoying the University of Georgia is YOU! Athens will become your home.

The facts do not lie. The University of Georgia was rated the 6th best “bang for the buck” according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. The quality of resources on campus is a great value for students. If you live in Georgia, you probably have the HOPE Scholarship, which covers your tuition costs here. Out of state or don’t have HOPE? No need to worry! Many departments at UGA offer scholarships to help pay for school. UGA also provides the opportunity to employ students in various areas. Also, there are countless local business in Athens give students a chance to help pay for their education here.

-Be on the lookout for FREE T-SHIRTS!
Athletic events and campus organizations often involve free T-shirts. They’re always pretty appealing and you can pick your size in most situations. It’s an easy way to get free clothing and maybe become interested in something new.

-Pay attention for emails on season tickets for athletics
The window to purchase student season ticket packages for athletic functions is usually only a couple of days, but for the discount price and entertainment value, you can’t forget to act on these emails.

-Find where you classes are on campus before they officially start.
It might take a couple of weeks to get used to such a large campus, so know where you are going beforehand. If you’re trying to choose between multiple routes to get from one class to another, don’t worry. Your teachers are usually gracious about being late the first few classes.

-Move outside of your bubble
Every introduction or greeting might open a life-changing opportunity for you, so don’t let it pass.

-Use your peers’ grade and professor ratings with caution.
What your peers think can often be a great resource, be sure they can justify theirs opinions. Sometimes, only negative people to like to complain tell the world how they feel.

-Don't be scared starting college!
It is natural to be a little nervous when starting college. However, you are not alone. 4,000 other freshmen are just as nervous as you, so relax and be yourself.

-If you want new experiences...
-If you love sports...
-If you want great connections for the future...
-If you like a challenge....
-Everybody...

UGA IS GREAT FOR YOU!

Academically, UGA has a lot to offer. Although most classes you will take in the beginning are prerequisite classes before getting into your major, they are for the most part interesting and challenging. If you want to learn, you will most definitely be able to.

There is also a lot outside of academics to be found at UGA! I am in a few organizations here that are totally awesome. Greek life is a great way to make some really close friends, but you can do that easily even if you aren't involved in Greek life. There are so many different clubs, organizations, and things to do that you are bound to find somewhere you belong. Athens has a great college-town vibe and as far as the number one party school thing goes, if you are looking for parties, they are to be found. But there is so much to do that doesn't include partying if it's not your thing. People aren't going to judge you if you don't drink. It is so easy to make friends here because there are tons of different people around and there is always something to do. And can I just say one word: FOOTBALL!!!!!! Saturdays in Athens are truly an amazing time. You will quickly pick up on all the traditions and really understand why everyone makes a big deal about it here. Other sporting events are really great too, and most are free for students or really cheap. There are also great organizations like BCM [I go to BCM and LOVE IT!] and Wesley if you are a Christian and are looking for somewhere to stay strong in your faith. Athens becomes your home very quickly, and you will love it.

If you are a Georgia resident and have HOPE, this is definitely the school for you. Even if you are out of state, it is still worth it for sure. As far as money goes, I can pretty much go without spending it if I don't want to. Meal plan is awesome because you can each as much as you want whenever you want whenever you want and it's already paid for throughout the year. Living on campus and paying for books is kind of expensive, but that is pretty much how it is at any college you go to. Dorms are pretty nice for what you pay for them. As far as other things go, your student activities fee covers a lot of great stuff on campus! Free movies are shown all the time and we had a free carnival during homecoming week-cool things like that happen often. I got to see Ludacris in concert for free! Also, I definitely don't mind paying only $8 for every home football game I go to ;) Almost every other sporting event is free. College is expensive no matter where you go, but it is totally worth it at UGA because you get so much out of it.

-If you're wanting to get in-

Apply early! If you are admitted through early admission you will probably get the housing you want, and the application isn't as much work. Take as many AP/Honors classes as you can handle. Try your best in them, but don't stress about not having a GPA of 4.0 or above. Same goes with the ACT and SAT. Try to do really good and take them multiple times if you can. UGA wants to see that you are challenging yourself. Get involved with stuff going on at your high school and outside school, especially with leadership positions. UGA is interested in that kind of stuff too.

-Once you are here-

GET INVOLVED! As I've said, there really is something for everyone and so many ways to make good friends. When you are involved in something, the school seems a lot smaller and the more people you know, the smaller it gets. Don't be intimidated by the size.

Find out where your classes are before the first day. Life is a lot easier that way. Learning your way around isn't that bad. Get a bus map and learn those routes too. It takes a little more work, but the buses are free and convenient when you have a class that is far out of the way. Don't be afraid to ask an upperclassman. I've done it several times before and trust me, you will survive.

Don't forget to study! Definitely take advantage of all UGA has to offer because campus life is great and Athens is an amazing city, but academics are important too. Cramming the night before an exam is not going to cut it like it did in high school. You will probably have some weed out classes that will challenge you big time, but if you work hard enough you can do well.

Move out of your comfort zone and don't be worried about starting college! Use every opportunity to meet new people, including in your classes and on your hall. Sit with someone sitting by themselves in the dining hall and you could for real make a new friend. It's normal to be a little bit nervous about starting college [tho...

UGA really is great for all types of people. Because it is a big school, you are bound to find something academic and social wise that is perfect for you. Speaking of size, don’t be intimidated by the size. When you know your way around and know people, it seems a lot smaller. If you are wanting a different experience from what is going on at your town back home, come to UGA! It is a whole new experience. If you want a place that offers strong academics and plenty of good times, UGA is for you. Being here gives you great connections for the future and prepares you for whatever you want to do in life. I mean, I’m here to become a marine biologist if that tells you anything about the variety in majors. :) There is so much here for everyone.

I am currently taking 16 credit hours this semester. Even though it has been hard work, I definitely feel like I am learning as much as I possible can. Free tutoring is offered for several courses, and other help is available for any course. My professors are extremely helpful, patient when working with students, and very eager to teach their courses. My science classes have been the most difficult; however, my critical thinking and learning skills have improved more than I could have ever imagined!!

Everyone in Athens is extremely friendly and nobody is judgmental. I come from a small town, and Athens seems like a different country than where I was raised in South Georgia.I meet new people every day, and there are student organizations for anyone. I have met people from other states and countries that have opened my eyes to different backgrounds. Faculty and other students are helpful in several ways. I do not think I have ever met anyone in the past two years I have been here that was not willing to help me find my way or answer a question. No one has ever been rude or disrespectful. I am glad I chose UGA over other colleges. I would not want to be anywhere else.

Classes are difficult at Georgia; however, the courses prepare you the way they should. They offer academic assistance and that comes in handy for more time-consuming courses. The financial aid department has always been helpful, and the computer systems are super quick. Faculty and staff respond to your questions from phone calls and e-mails almost immediately.

I would study in high school and take as many difficult and time-consuming classes as possible. I never had to study much in high school, but I had to learn how to quickly. Even if some classes do not require attendance, you will fall behind quick. In some lectures, every lecture is important to attend. Because of the intensity of courses, you do not want to fall behind. Make sure you get ahead if you can, and I would but a planner. I did not think I needed one, but I realized that there was no way to remember everything I needed to. Planners are given to students for free with school information located inside of them. Save money and talk to other students with the major you are looking into to help you figure out what you need to do before you get there. PLAN AHEAD!! Trust me, you will save time and a lot of worrying and stress.

It is great for any type of student. I have met people of all kinds from different cultures, religions, countries, and states that will help you communicate with different type of people later on in life. UGA offers programs for any student, and I have never heard anyone say that they have disliked the school, the community, or other students.

Although most intro classes are large (300+), the teachers are for the most part very friendly and available during office hours and for any additional meetings. All of the professors and grad assistants are very knowledgeable.

Athens is a great college town. There is something to do for everyone, whether you are into the party scene or not. Day and night, there are great restaurants and stores to visit. For those who like a little night life, the bars and clubs downtown are a great way to meet people and just relax after a long day of classes. The campus is beautiful and kept up very well.

Whether you are in state or out of state, UGA is definitely worth the price of tuition. You will learn a lot and make tons of new friends in the process.

When choosing classes and teachers, I would suggest using ratemyprofessor.com or ugakey.com. The latter is specific to UGA and lists all the GPAs from the years they have taught. If you want student opinions, ratemyprofessor is up to date and honest.
During the first week of classes, grab a bus map from any bus and learn the routes, keep it with you all the time. The bus system is a free and easy way to get around, use them.
Most importantly, get involved! You don't have to go greek in order to meet a lot of people, but it is definitely one option to get involved and gain a tight knit set of group inside this large school. It can feel overwhelming sometimes. There are also many volunteer and community organizations with information meetings all the time.

Students who want something different from high school. Like a lot of people and are disciplined to learn instead of going out all of the time.

We get a rep for being a huge party school, but that's only partially true. Personally, I am a science major, pre-med, and our program is chalk-full of weeder classes. No matter what major you're in, if you don't work, you're instantly on the 5 year track.

One word, FOOTBALL. If you're looking at Georgia, I KNOW this is on your mind, and trust me, it's worth it. Football, the downtown scene, and Greek life are all AMAZING at Georgia, but like all good things, moderation is key.

If you live in-state... this is the place for you. If you can keep HOPE (i.e. actually study and don't blow all your parent's money downtown), you're basically getting a free ride paid for by the lottery.
If you live out-of state, I'm not really sure. Most of my out-of-state friends have loans/scholarships/trust funds, but the don't really complain about the money that much.

Take SAT and ACT. SAT measures how you think and ACT measures what you know. So if you do well on tests you can study for, take the ACT, and if you just test well, take the SAT, but UGA accepts both, so you should take both and see where you're best.
Take honors and AP classes if you can handle them. If you can't, DON'T (there's nothing worse than killing your GPA for nothing). UGA has gotten more and more competitive over the years, so if you get denied but are still stuck on it, make plans to transfer in. MANY people transfer into UGA after their first 30 hours of school and admissions requirements are less intense for transfers.

The University of Georgia is a great place to attend college. The professors are extremely helpful and there are tons of opportunities for students to get involved on campus. Additionally, every professor is involved in research, and there are many opportunities to get involved in undergraduate research.

I would recommend taking AP classes in high school to help prepare you for college. Be prepared to do multiple hours of homework a day. Definitely go to the football games in the fall, you won't miss out!

It's definitely not the most difficult college in terms of academics, but it does take a fair amount of work to get good grades. You won't make A's unless you put effort into your classes. If you do the work though, you should be able to do well.

I currently live in Myers Hall, the Honors Program magnet dorm, and I love it there. The building is nice, the rooms are a good size, and the staff is extremely helpful. So far, a majority of the new friends I have made in college are from my building.

The University of Georgia has some of the best university food in the country. There is a lot of variety, and everything is delicious. Additionally, Snelling Dining Commons is open 24 hours a day from 7 Monday morning until 2 Friday afternoon, which is extremely convenient.

Definitely go to the football games in the fall, there is nothing like SEC football in Athens. There are tons of things to do downtown. Also, just get to know the people on your hall or in your building, it makes it easy to do movie nights and things like that.

I have learned a lot academic wise, but have learned more about life. I know I was some people's first black friend and coming from an all black high school I learned a lot about how other people party and do things. If your willing to listen you'll learn so much. My advice is don't knock it till you try it because it might just help you have a success college career.

The University of Georgia is never dull. Theres always something to do every night of the week, it could be a frat party, a house party, or just the regular trip downtown( Which you new students will find out about when you get here). Speaking from a guys point of view the males will really enjoy themselves here for the simple fact that females out number us like 4 to 1. I really enjoy the freedom more than anything I can leave my room anytime and do whatever I want with out anyone asking questions and the food is great(some may disagree). Usually if you like it UGA has it. There is even a club for harry Potter fans who play Quidditch and have tournaments in one of the quads. So You will find something you enjoy doing here just keep your ears and eyes open.

UGA is not cheap, but The things they have for us like Dawgs After Dark has so much free stuff, like build-a-bear, lazer tag, and mechanical bull rides that kinda makes up for it. They also give you countless resources when it comes to finding jobs and internships and the dorms are usually nice and well kept, but other than that you may feel a little cheated out of money.

IF IT DOES NOT APPLY TO YOUR MAJOR TO NOT TAKE!!! For example if science is not your major and you don't have to take a science don't! If you do don't feel you have to take the most difficult science class to prove something, just take ecology and get it over with. Also do your homework research your professors on the uga key and rate your professor, there's no need to take a class with a professor thats just going to aggravate you. You will also need to learn the bus schedule it'll make getting around so much easier and quicker especially in august when its WAY TOO HOT to walk anywhere. For those who are concerned about keeping HOPE, I would suggest taking the easiest load of classes you know you can get As in your first semester. Its better to start off with that 4.0 so even if you screw up you'll still be good. There are some classes that are easy A's like ECHD and while they may not do anything for your major they rarely take up any of your free time outside of class. Oh and don't go out and buy your books as soon as school starts because some professors will tell you you can a get a cheaper version or that you don't even need the book for class. One more thing Do not deprive yourself of sleep during finals I've seen people pass out on the floor in the dining halls because they've pushed them selves too hard. A good nights sleep will help you better than eight hours of studying with no break.

If you don't mind big class sizes, lots of people, lots of CRAZY people, lots of CRAZY DRUNK people(mostly on game days), lots of walking( unless you just wanna be lazy and ride the bus everywhere), people with outrageous views on society, and a school with top notch facilities and TOP NOTCH PARTIES, than you are the type of student that will defiantly love UGA!!!

UGA provides the opportunity, especially for incoming freshman with hours on their side, to take classes that are intriguing and that otherwise you wouldn't be able to take. This gives you a chance to learn about something entirely different from you (intended) major and explore all the possibilities.

100%. Athens is an awesome town to live in! There are consistently things to do for anyone and everyone, no matter what you like to be apart of. From sororities and fraternities to religious organizations to volunteer groups and clubs there is definitely something for everyone.

UGA is not as cheap as it may appear at first glance, there are a lot of hidden fees and requirements, but it is definitely worth the money. UGA provides a health center, gym, transit, and Wi-Fi for all students (this is what your fee money covers) as well as student events and much more! The slight cost in fees etc. is well worth what you get out of the uses for the fees.

Apply Early! UGA has an excellent early admission program, with many incentives, such as earlier housing selection, it is a definite plus. Maintain a good GPA! Although UGA will tell you a GPA isn't everything, and it isn't, it will help out tremendously, especially if you lack in other important areas like test scores or extracurriculars. AP classes are worth it! The more AP classes you take, and pass the AP test for, the more hours you will come into UGA with, which allows you more room for things like a minor or double major; but DON'T take more than you can handle because that will compromise your GPA.

One of the great things about UGA is that it's great for many different groups of people. One of the major qualities you need to have, or be able to quickly adjust to have, is independence. UGA requires all freshman to live on campus, which means at least a week at a time without mom and dad. It also helps for those with good self-motivation, you will often times find yourself sitting in your dorm room with the option of getting online, watching TV, or studying; you then must choose studying on your own or suffer the consequences. UGA is also a large school with over 33,000 students, which doesn't mean it's impossible to make friends, it just gives you a much larger chance of meeting someone you'll click with, so it helps to enjoy meeting new people and making new friends quickly. The more people you know, the smaller the school will seem.

UGA offers an ivy league education, for a public school price. Situated in Athens, GA: ranked the #1 College Town that Rocks by Rolling Stones magazine in 2007 and one of 29 Must Visit places by LA Times magazine in 2009, there are plenty of things to do here. Definitely a great place to spend some great 4 (maybe 5) years.

Enjoy yourself. A lot of people say college is the best 4 (maybe 5+) years of your life. That's a HORRIBLE way of looking at it. If this is all you have to look forward to then you're already setting yourself up for disappointment once you graduate. Enjoy the next few years, but know that this is only preparing you for better things out there. Soak it all up, sleep is overrated (sometimes) and make as many friends as possible, both with fellow students and professors. You'll find out how great it is to be a Georgia Bulldog both in college and out. #GoDawgs

Understand that you have to put in effort outside of the classroom and you'll be fine. The main difference with college from high school is that in HS you spent roughly 8 hrs/day 5days/week = 40hrs of school per week. In college, the average student is in class for 13-15 hours per week. In HS you did your learning and studying in the classroom even though you didn't realize it. In college, you have to put those hours in, you're not doing it in the classroom.

Met some of my best friends living in the residence halls. Get to know the people on your hall. Leave your door open when you're in your room and knock on doors just say What's Up. Your respective residence hall will also host a bunch of different events either through your RA or through the Residence Hall Association (RHA). That means more free food and stuff!

The food services program is ranked in the top 1 percentile nationally based on customer satisfaction. You can do 1 of 2 meal plans: 5 day or 7 day (GET THE 7 DAY) It's worth it and when you work it all out, it comes out to be roughly $14/day. Let's just say you will NEVER go hungry...EVER.

There is literally a concert going on every. single. night. of the week at a different venue in Athens as well as other cool art shows, movies (both on and off campus) rock climbing, and the school brings some pretty bigwig names for the students as well. B.O.B., Kellie Pickler, Augustana: I've seen them all and it was all for free!

The HOPE scholarship is a really great thing to have as an instate student and as an out of state student there are still lots of scholarships and grants you can apply for. If money is really tight though, there are plenty of on campus and off campus positions just waiting to be filled by students. Again, you are getting a great education for significantly less. Also, if you study abroad, everyone gets in-state tuition.

Snellebrating is a tradition that involves going to our 24 hr dining hall: Snelling after the hours of 12:00 midnight. You see all kinds of people and have some of the best conversations. Celebrate a great day, maybe a great grade or maybe you're just an insomniac. Either way, good food, good people: let the good times roll.

Students who want to remember the people they meet, the times they didn't sleep, the awesome and eclectic concerts they went to and have the opportunity to be over prepared for the real world post graduation will find UGA to be a good fit.

There are over 169 clubs and organizations on campus and if you can't find one that interests you you can easily start your own!

The school is roughly 20% Greek, but it seems like more sometimes because they are so involved in school life. The work very closely with a lot of philanthropic organizations like Relay for Life, UGA Miracle and UGA Heros. So if you're looking to meet a lot of people who have similar interest as you and want to make a difference, Greek life is only one of many places you can look. But it's a good way to make friends immediately, especially if you are coming from out of state and don't know a soul.

Campus is extremely safe! There are two different police forces that have jurisdiction on campus: Athens Clark County police and UGA police which is nice to have. UGA is a public campus which means that anyone can come on and go off at any time which is why, even though campus has many different safety features in place, use common sense and don't walk alone at 3:00 in the morning. But if you are burning the midnight oil late into the night, you can ask a police officer or security guard to escort you to your car--they are all really great people. There's also a system called UGA Alert that students sign up for at the beginning of the year. Should there be any danger, students get a phone call, text and email letting us know what we should do. The only time we get these are during scheduled tests of the system or for tornado warnings (that have never touched UGA). Plus, your parents get the alert before you do most of the time so you can tell them to rest easy.